I agree 100%, the envy over the young "student" drummers as well as the lack of creativity by many. I am 51 and started when I was 8, I had a quite an absence due to injury but am still playing. I have NEVER had a lesson, I learned by trial & error (emphasis on error) and am still learning. I was always proud of myself for learning everything on my own. I now have an 11 year old step son who I will be teaching the "old school" ways to on a set I bought him for Xmas. I'm debating on whether or not to add a few lessons as I don't know if I have enough patience but my encouragement to him will always be to think outside the box and be creative... not just follow what's been taught, that's where greatness comes from. Thats where music comes to life!!!!!! You can never stress the term "be creative" enough to any musician.
Too bad the drummers in your family didn't make an effort... imagine where you'd be now if they had started teaching you at age 3 or 4...
Anyway, welcome to the group... This seems to be where most "creative" drummers end up.